Although the general public is under the impression that the Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo is no longer at risk of development, in fact, it is still under threat. The permit that had been granted in 2007 was subsequently rescinded on the grounds of incorrect information being provided by the developers. The rescinding took place shortly after a large protest in Valletta organised by environment NGOs drew an estimated 1,500 protestors.
However the fact is that MEPA’s rescinding of the permit is the subject of an appeal. This appeal is being considered in spite of the fact that it commenced when only a fraction of the appeal fees were paid. A ruling on whether this appeal is to be allowed is to be given shortly, however, in spite of the pretext that was supplied, the fact remains that the consideration of this appeal is highly irregular as normally, an appeal cannot even be registered unless proof of full payment is presented. FAA cannot understand this inconsistency, how MEPA is considering this appeal, whereas it would have cancelled the appeal had it been submitted by an ordinary citizen.
While an appeal to reinstate the Ramla permit remains possible, this iconic bay remains under threat of development. Granting this permit will allow the building of a complex of 23 villas with pools on the slopes of the Ramla hillside and would effectively open the whole hillside to development. The Gozitan NGO Save Ramla, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) and other environment NGOs are committed to ensuring that the most iconic unspoilt beach in the Maltese islands remains unbuilt, also because parts of Ramla l-Ħamra is a Natura 2,000 site due to the presence of endangered plants growing on the unique sand dunes at Ramla.
In order to fight this development it has been necessary to incur substantial and unavoidable expense to carry out research and studies and draw up professional reports so that our objection is based on solid ground.
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar is therefore appealing to the public to ensure that the campaign to save the natural beauty of this beach continues, by contributing towards these expenses by sending an SMS on 5061 8079 to donate €4.66 or 5061 9226 to donate €11.65. Alternatively, contributors can make a direct debit donation at http://www.faa.org.mt/donate.
